Il Vecchio
110 Central Ave., Pacific Grove 324-4282, ilvecchiorestaurant.com
The experience here starts even before you’re seated, with mismatched decor that’s big on Old World charm and attentive service and a freezer of gelato so you can start daydreaming about dessert to take home. It extends to the drinks, which include hearty Italian wines and also bubbly aperitifs that transport you straight to European cafes. And then, of course, it really shows up on the menu and on your plate, in the form of house-made pastas, sauces layered with slow-cooked flavor and a range of fresh seafood options. Simplicity and charm meet elegance here, making Il Vecchio a repeat winner.